Liberty Nursing & Rehabilitation Center of Mecklenburg Countyhttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg
Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:02:13 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2Creating a Positive Admission Experience at a Rehabilitation Facilityhttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/19/creating-a-positive-admission-experience-at-a-rehabilitation-facility/
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/19/creating-a-positive-admission-experience-at-a-rehabilitation-facility/#commentsMon, 19 Aug 2013 19:02:13 +0000Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Serviceshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/?p=172Read More]]>Coming to a skilled nursing facility to live or for a short-term rehabilitation stay can be very stressful experience for most people. Because there’s no place like home, most people fear losing independence when someone else is providing the most basic care needs such as bathing and dressing, eating or toileting. Experiencing the unknown is not easy; the more we understand and the most information a person has, may lessen the associated stress. When people come to a Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services facility, they are able to interact with friendly staff at all levels. The Liberty facilities take a person centered approach to care, realizing that it is much more than just addressing the medical need. It is also about helping to meet the needs of the whole person. The accommodations at Liberty are much nicer as well; most with private rooms offering more of a hotel type atmosphere.

What can a person expect on admission? The first thing that helps reduce a person’s anxiety level is meeting a friendly person who can explain what is about to happen. The Certified Nursing Assistant (C N A) is usually this first person seen, followed by the attending nurse. The C N A is the first greeter in most cases engaging the person in conversation with an introduction of themselves and a welcome followed by other questions that will help the person feel better about the experience. C N A’s play a critical role in a facility because they are seen more frequently than other staff and they are the people responsible to help meet the ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living).

The second person usually seen is the attending nurse. The nurse engages the person in conversation while asking a number of questions including whether they wear eye glasses, dentures, or a hearing aid. The nurse asks about any pain or discomfort the patient may have and whether they have any allergies to food or medication.

In addition, an overall evaluation is done to look at skin conditions including current wounds, abrasions, or surgical incisions that need special attention. At some point early in the arrival, the nurse or the C N A will also obtain vital signs and get an initial weight of the person to ensure a good starting point to the rehabilitative process. All of this data is entered into the patient’s secure electronic medical record (EMR), and will be reviewed by a physician that works for the facility.

The third individual seen is usually a representative from the dietary department. They ask about any food likes and dislikes. The dietary department reviews any specific diet restrictions and communicates with nursing anything relating to food and diet needs as ordered by the referring physician.

The Physical, Occupational, and or Speech therapists are the next team members who do an initial evaluation to determine the course of action in regard to beginning therapy. The goal of the therapy department is to get the person as independent as they were prior to whatever episode happened and back home safely enjoy the things they love to do.

Other key people that engage the patient are the Business Office Manager and Admission Coordinator. The Business Office Manager talks about insurance coverage and how the billing works especially in regards to Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The Admission Coordinator meets with the person to go over guidelines; the rights of the patient while having them sign a number of papers including a Consent to Treat, Advance Directives, and release of information. The Activities Director reviews the extra opportunities to engage the person in leisure activities such as singing, bingo, auctions, movies, and a number of other great opportunities to help the person relax and take their minds off of their medical issues at hand.

When considering a place for rehabilitation or for long term extended care, the importance of staff within a facility offering kind words, a genuine smile, and simply explaining the process, speaks volumes in the recovery process. At Liberty Health and Rehabilitation Services, our goal is to strive to make the patient experience, the best it can be.

]]>http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/19/creating-a-positive-admission-experience-at-a-rehabilitation-facility/feed/0The Role of the Hospital Discharge Planner in Transition of Carehttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/07/the-role-of-the-hospital-discharge-planner-in-transition-of-care/
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/07/the-role-of-the-hospital-discharge-planner-in-transition-of-care/#commentsWed, 07 Aug 2013 19:12:53 +0000Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Serviceshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/?p=168Read More]]>Hospitals employ social workers and nurses as discharge planners, who are responsible to help patients and their family with the transition to the next level of care. In many cases, the nurse discharge planners have previously worked as a floor nurse and have experience working with a variety of patients. The goal when the discharge planner meets with a patient and their family is to facilitate the physician’s recommendation for the next level of care the patient would benefit from. When in-patient rehabilitation is recommended, the discharge planner provides an unbiased review of the options for the purpose of choosing a provider. This helps the process of reviewing and making a visit to a few locations. At the point this information is discussed, the patient’s discharge date is approaching.

It is at this point, the family begins the journey of making visits to rehabilitation facilities. In some locations, the options are endless and many have similar features which can make it confusing. Liberty recommends visiting a few locations because every facility has a “personality” and only family truly will know where the patient will feel the most comfortable. It is the staff who “make up” the facility; chandeliers and flat screen televisions may not be indicative of the quality of care provided.

Things a patient and family should also consider is the location of the facility in relation to family and friends. This is so the patient has visitors during their rehabilitation stay and so they continue to be motivated to participate in therapy. Asking some of the following questions of the rehabilitation provider helps to make an informed decision:

 How often is physical, occupational, speech therapy available?

 Does the facility offer a dedicated area for short term rehabilitation or specialized programming?

 What types of medical conditions has the facility treated?

 What is the facility average length of stay?

 What is the success rate for patients returning to their prior living setting?

 How does the facility plan for the patient’s treatment and ultimate discharge home?

 Are there any smells in the patient areas?

 Does the staff appear to enjoy their work? Are they interacting with patients?

 Does the staff introduce themselves to visitors of the facility? Do they offer assistance?

Visiting a few facilities will help with comparing programs and capabilities. Talk with the staff who are providing patient care and ask what motivates them to do their job. Working in a rehabilitation facility is a calling, one that is focused on serving. Together, with the patient and family, the staff at a facility help the patient to heal.

]]>http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/08/07/the-role-of-the-hospital-discharge-planner-in-transition-of-care/feed/0Pre-Registration Programs: Minimizing Stress and Anxietyhttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/07/05/pre-registration-programs-minimizing-stress-and-anxiety/
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/07/05/pre-registration-programs-minimizing-stress-and-anxiety/#commentsFri, 05 Jul 2013 19:59:58 +0000Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Serviceshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/?p=164Read More]]>When someone is planning an elective surgery, they should consider what happens after the hospital discharge. There are times that discharging directly back to home is not the safest option.

Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Pre-Registration program is designed to help people have an active part in planning their post-surgical treatment and decision-making.

The process is easy. It begins by calling the facility to schedule a visit with the admissions staff. At this visit, the admissions staff provides a tour of the short term rehabilitation unit and the therapy gym. Potential patients have the opportunity to meet the staff who will be providing their care and to ask questions about what to expect from a post-hospital stay and how insurance pays for the care.

When a potential patient confirms the facility is their provider of choice, the admissions staff will verify insurance coverage and benefits. If prior authorization is needed the admissions staff takes care of this. Facility admission paperwork is completed in advance, making the bridge from hospital to facility as seamless as possible.

A Clinical Liaison follows the patient after surgery and confirms with the hospital the patient is pre-registered with our Liberty facility. The liaison coordinates the discharge process making sure the surgeon’s orders and any special arrangements that may be needed are made, and everything is ready at the facility for the patient’s arrival.

During the rehabilitation in the facility, patients and their caregivers are also encouraged to attend a discharge planning class. These classes are set up to help ease the transition back home.

Overall, the Pre-registration program with Liberty is designed to minimize the stress and anxiety a patient and their family may have about the post hospitalization process and allows them to focus on their recuperation following their surgery.

]]>http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2013/07/05/pre-registration-programs-minimizing-stress-and-anxiety/feed/0Care that Fits Your Needshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2011/10/11/care-that-fits-your-needs/
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2011/10/11/care-that-fits-your-needs/#commentsWed, 12 Oct 2011 01:02:27 +0000Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Serviceshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/?p=109The registered nurses, therapists and physicians of Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services work with patients and their families to ensure individualized treatment for needs following an illness or injury.

]]>http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2011/10/11/care-that-fits-your-needs/feed/0Talking about a Revolution in Skilled Nursing – Choices for Familieshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2011/10/10/talking-about-a-revolution-in-skilled-nursing-%e2%80%93-choices-for-families/
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/2011/10/10/talking-about-a-revolution-in-skilled-nursing-%e2%80%93-choices-for-families/#commentsTue, 11 Oct 2011 02:22:21 +0000Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Serviceshttp://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/lcmecklenburg/?p=99Read More]]>In 1994, my family asked that I use my background working for a nursing home chain, to conduct a placement search on behalf of our Grandfather. My 12 year old Cousin looked at the list of nursing homes given to us by the hospital and promptly chose “The Little Flower on the Hill” for her parents. She liked the name and thought it prudent to have a place picked out before they were unable to be involved in the decision process. We all thought this random pick of a nursing facility was cute and never recognized the wisdom she held regarding planning for the unexpected.

When families visit a nursing home, it’s typically under the stress of a loved one falling ill. The hospital provides a list of facilities in the area, so there is a choice of placement options. The Nursing Home Compare tool through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid at www.medicare.gov/nhcompare, along with the ease of doing internet searches, allows consumers to access information in the comfort of their home. The end result is a more informed consumer.

We all want the freedom to make choices, whether it’s purchasing a favorite brand of soda or picking a hotel chain over another to accumulate points to achieve Princess Platinum Level. The difference is our ability to make the choice on our own terms and the comfort in knowing what to expect. The scope narrows significantly when a family enters the decision cycle process for nursing home placement.

The good news is that nursing home operators have increased the number of features they offer to meet the requirements of potential patients. Statistics show that 100,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 every day. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information and the Genworth 2011 Cost of Care Survey, while most people think of long term care as impacting only those in senior years, 40 percent of people currently receiving long term care services are ages 18 to 64.

This demographic shift demands a cultural shift within a building. Last year, a patient asked me for a chilled bottle of water. This is a far cry from the ice water in a plastic pitcher days of nursing care. How do families look beyond the esthetics of a facility, get to the critical care metrics and feel good like anyone making a “purchase?”

When visiting a facility, observe the staff and whether they genuinely enjoy their job and are interacting with the patients. Chances are good that when your loved one needs assistance, the staff will be responsive. Ask what happens when a patient completes rehabilitation and where they go afterwards. Find out what defines the term discharge planning for the facility and what follow up is done post discharge. When a patient and their caregivers are empowered by education about their illness or injury and medications, the likelihood of another hospitalization decreases. Look for equipment in the therapy gym that offers practical value and supports re-tooling a patient’s prior level of function. This means looking at how therapy re-trains the body and mind to do things we all take for granted like meal preparation, standing or getting in and out of a car. Also look for equipment that works to decrease pain so that therapy sessions are productive and pain free. Every facility has its own personality and only family will truly know whether the facility being reviewed can meet their loved ones needs. It is important to look at a few facilities before making a final decision even if the first facility visited offers the WOW experience. The WOW experience is the feeling one gets when walking into the front door based on esthetics and the initial greeting. And while physical presence of a facility is important – things like being clean and free of odors, it is the people providing the care who make the patient experience memorable and is the most critical metric.